Parenting

Permissive parenting: An evidence-based guide

parents posing for photo in foreground, unaware that children are burning up the BBQ in the background

Permissive parenting might seem like the “no discipline” approach. A threat to civilization? Probably not, but outcomes depends on we you define this parenting style.

Postpartum depression symptoms: When is it more than the “baby blues?”

depressed mother with infant in foreground

Postpartum depression symptoms overlap with symptoms of the “baby blues,” the mood swings that mothers experience in the first few days after childbirth. But when symptoms persist beyond two weeks — or take a more severe turn — it’s time to get screened for depression.

Authoritarian parenting outcomes: What happens to the kids?

silhouette and shadow of a child being confronted by an ominous person

If authoritarian parents are demanding, shouldn’t their children be better-behaved and more successful in the classroom? On the contrary, research links authoritarian parenting with kids who are less resourceful, less confident, and less socially-adept. Kids may also be at higher risk for behavior problems.

Poor sleep intensifies next-day stress for parents

tired mother working at laptop, eyes closed, rubbing head, with children in the background

Can a lack of sleep cause stress? Research confirms that we experience more stress the day after a poor night’s sleep. And the effects might be particularly noticeable for parents struggling to care for multiple children while holding down a job.